The Mediterranean Diet, characterized by high consumption of olive oil, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and moderate intake of fish and white meat, while limiting red meat and processed foods, is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits. It is associated with reduced risks of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, certain cancers, and overall mortality. Recent studies suggest this diet may also enhance fertility and improve outcomes in couples undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples in their reproductive years. ART has become a prevalent method to address conception challenges but is often costly and invasive. Evidence indicates that adherence to the Mediterranean diet could be beneficial for ART outcomes, potentially supporting weight management and cognitive health as well.
A recent review examined the impact of the Mediterranean diet on ART success by analyzing seven studies using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) to gauge dietary adherence. Results varied significantly, underscoring the need for standardized research protocols. Differences in ART procedures, including hormonal treatments, also contributed to this variability.
Overall, the review found that couples adhering more closely to the Mediterranean diet had a 40-100% increased likelihood of achieving clinical pregnancy, with live birth rates 2.5 times higher. However, the effect on egg number and embryo quality was inconclusive, and some studies even reported poorer ART responses in women following the diet. Age appeared to influence these outcomes, with younger women experiencing more significant benefits.
In conclusion, while the Mediterranean diet shows promise for improving ART outcomes, particularly in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, further research is needed. Current studies reveal a 65% agreement rate among different scoring methods, indicating a need for standardized tools. The diet’s benefits, including enhanced endometrial receptivity and reduced systemic inflammation, suggest potential improvements in implantation and embryonic development. Future research should involve larger, multicenter studies with rigorous methodologies and follow-up periods to validate these findings. Integrating genetic markers and advanced analytical techniques may also refine dietary recommendations.